Digital Archive
International History Declassified

China-Europe Relations

Europe and China were undoubtedly the most important third actors in the Cold War system. As territorial entities and political and economic actors located at the crossroads of the mutual spheres of action of the two superpowers, they played a key role in the evolution and reshaping of the bipolar system. This collection charts China's relations with Europe, and as it moved from East to West throughout the course of the Cold War.

Mao Zedong gives Liu Shaoqi guidance on Chinese foreign policy towards the United States and Great Britain.

February 25, 1955

Abstract of Conversation: Chinese Premier Zhou receives Trevelyan

Zhou Enlai and Trevelyan debated on the nature of the Manila Treaty and its implications for the Geneva Agreement.They also discussed the issue of the Dai Autonomous Region between China and Thailand and the legal status of Taiwan.

October 23, 1956

Cable from the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, ‘The 8th Plenum of the Polish Party Central Committee has met with a Great Response in Hungary’

The Chinese Embassy in Hungary reports on the responses to the 8th Plenum of the Polish Party Central Committee published in Hungarian newspapers.

October 24, 1956

Cable from the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, ‘Summary of the Counterrevolutionary Rebellion taking place in the Hungarian Capital’

The Chinese Embassy in Hungary provides an update on developments in the Hungarian "counterrevolutionary rebellion."

October 26, 1956

Cable from the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, ‘The Situation in the Hungarian capital following the Outbreak of the Counterrevolutionary Rebellion’

The Chinese Embassy in Budapest reports that the "counterrevolutionary rebellion in the Hungarian capital became increasingly serious after midnight last night"

October 28, 1956

Cable from the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, ‘Please Inform Us of the Appropriate Attitude towards the Hungarian Events’

The Chinese Embassy in Budapest asks, "how are we to respond" to the events ongoing in Hungary.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry says that "'much listening, little speaking' is necessary” with regards to the Hungarian Revolution.

November 02, 1956

Cable from the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, ‘On the Meeting between Imre Nagy and Ambassador Hao Deqing’

The Chinese Embassy in Hungary provides a lengthy report on the talks between Imre Nagy and Hao Deqing.

November 02, 1956

Record of Conversation from Premier Zhou’s receiving of the Hungarian Ambassador to China Ágoston Szkladán on his Farewell Visit

Zhou Enlai and Hungarian Ambassador to China Ágoston Szkladán discuss the ongoing Hungarian Revolution, and Szkladán asks for economic assistance from the other Communist countries for this issue.

December 03, 1956

Cable from Zhou Enlai to Mao Zedong and the Central Committee, 'Discussion with Nehru on the Hungary Issue'

Zhou Enlai reports on his discussion with Nehru concerning the events in Hungary.

January 11, 1957

Notes from the Completed Discussions of 11 and 12 January 1957 between the Delegates of the Chinese People’s Republic and Poland (Excerpts)

Gomulka describes the 1956 Polish protests and his confrontation with Soviet authorities.

January 28, 1957

Cable from the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, ‘Chinese Embassy to Hungary’s 1956 Annual Summary and the Submission of the 1957 Work Plan’ (Excerpt)

The Chinese Embassy in Budapest describes some of the problems which occurred as the Embassy attempted to follow and react to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

April 15, 1957

Memorandum of Conversation with East German Ambassador Fr. Everhartze

Meeting with East German Ambassador Everhartze concerning the recently concluded Chinese-Polish negotiations and the recent 1956 uprisings in Poland. The main purpose of the visit was to find out about the future visit ofZhou Enlai to Czechoslovakia, because the GDR has also invited Zhou Enlai to a state visit.

April 15, 1957

Record of Conversation between Polish Premier J. Cyrankiewicz and Chinese Leader Mao Zedong, 8 April 1957

Mao Zedong and Cyrankiewicz discuss industrial planning, international economic cooperation, and the economic situation in each of their respective countries.

May 12, 1957

Brief Summary of Conversation between Comrade Mao Zedong and the Delegation of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania

Comrade Mao mentioned that the communism belief closely united western and eastern countries in the socialist camp, and the Asian, African and Arab states are our allies in the war against imperialism. Comrade Rita answered Mao's questions about Albania's domestic situation, such as religion and domestic consumptions. Mao also depicted Chinese ancient tale the Monkey King to Rita, explaining the revolution situation in China.

Mao Zedong discusses the history of the Chinese Communist Party, among other topics with Marian Spychalski.

November 09, 1957

Addition to Memorandum of Conversation between Czechoslovak Parliamentary Delegation and Mao Zedong, 29 September 1957

The Head of the Czechoslovak delegation and Mao Zedong agree that relations between the CSSR, PRC, and USSR are politically strong but require economic improvement, according to Khrushchev. Mao discusses the socialist revolution and its varying levels of support in China amongst the different demographics within the Chinese social structure. Mao also discusses the three basic goals which guide Chinese foreign policy.

April 02, 1958

Record of Conversation between Polish Delegation and PRC Leader Mao Zedong, Wuhan

Chairman Mao and Comrade Jaroszewicz changed their views about the plan to catch up with western countries, the excessive population growth, the agriculture production.

October 14, 1959

Record of Conversation between Polish Delegation and PRC Leader Mao Zedong, Beijing